The Rivers State University (RSU) in Port Harcourt has launched a campaign to promote urban greening in the city. The initiative aims to address the growing concerns of rising temperatures, air pollution, flooding, and rapid loss of tree cover. The university's Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Studies organized a public lecture on urban greening, which featured a tree-planting exercise. The event brought together scholars, government officials, environmental experts, and stakeholders to discuss practical solutions for a healthier and more resilient Port Harcourt.
The Vice Chancellor of RSU, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, declared the event open, emphasizing the university's commitment to environmental stewardship. He noted that the programme goes beyond symbolism and offers practical solutions for a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Zeb-Obipi, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Blessing Jaja, assured that RSU will continue to provide intellectual leadership and strengthen partnerships with communities, government, and stakeholders.
The Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Studies, Prof. Sodienye A. Abere, described the event as the centre's maiden tree-planting initiative in host communities and beyond. He noted that the centre, established on January 18, 2023, aims to combine academic knowledge with practical action on climate change. Abere stressed the need for sustained collaboration and prioritized economic and environmentally beneficial trees based on the needs of host communities.
The keynote paper, delivered by Prof. K. E. Opara, highlighted the link between urban greening and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Opara identified vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and gas flaring as major sources of air pollution in Port Harcourt. He recommended strategic tree planting, green belts, rooftop gardens, and wetland preservation as nature-based solutions to moderate temperatures, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and enhance quality of life.
The event featured goodwill messages from government officials and stakeholders. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Tamoialadieokuma Ishmael, advocated for tree planting to be made a deliberate government policy and community culture. The Managing Director of RIWAMA, Dr. Ibimina Wokoma, pledged the agency's support for waste management and tree planting. The President of the Rivers State University Women Association (RISUWA), Dr. Victoria Zeb-Obipi, underscored the role of women in environmental sustainability.
The event climaxed with a tree-planting exercise led by the Vice Chancellor's representative, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, the RIWAMA boss, and the RISUWA President. The exercise was part of the university's effort to promote urban greening and encourage stakeholders to take action. The programme aims to create a healthier and more sustainable environment in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State University's urban greening campaign is part of a broader effort to address environmental challenges in the city. The university's initiative has brought together stakeholders to discuss practical solutions and promote sustainable practices. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of urban greening and encourage community involvement in environmental sustainability.
Key points
- The Rivers State University launches urban greening campaign to combat rising temperatures, air pollution, and flooding in Port Harcourt.
- The initiative aims to promote sustainable practices and encourage community involvement in environmental sustainability.
- The campaign features a tree-planting exercise and aims to create a healthier and more sustainable environment in Port Harcourt.
